Democrats are pressing President Biden to address immigration concerns amid threats of deportations from former President Trump.
More than 80 Democratic lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Hispanic and Progressive caucuses, penned a letter urging Biden to prioritize pathways to lawful status for long-term undocumented immigrants before the November election.
The letter highlights the potential economic and familial devastation that could result from mass deportations, a threat previously voiced by Trump.
Specific actions proposed in the letter include simplifying the process for DACA recipients to transition to nonimmigrant status and expediting green card processing to enable undocumented migrants to work legally.
Rep. Nanette Barragan, chair of the Hispanic Caucus, emphasized Biden’s opportunity to rebuild the immigration system by providing citizenship pathways and protections for long-term undocumented residents.
This recent call echoes a March letter from Senate Democrats, underscoring the urgency of executive action on immigration reform.
While Biden mulls over potential executive orders, concerns arise over the possibility of restrictive asylum policies reminiscent of the Trump era.
The administration’s discussions with immigration advocacy groups suggest a potential utilization of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to regulate migrant entries from Mexico.
This approach, resembling a previously negotiated bipartisan border bill, faces criticism for its potential impact on asylum seekers.
Despite Democratic efforts to address immigration reform, Republican opposition has hindered progress in Congress.
Senator Alex Padilla emphasizes Biden’s role in providing relief to long-term immigrants and is leading a news conference to highlight the Democratic push for action.
Immigration advocacy groups, such as FWD.us, stress Biden’s legal authority to support American families by granting relief to undocumented community members.
The urgency of the situation underscores the need for swift action from the Biden administration to address immigration concerns and protect vulnerable communities.
